TORONTO, ON, November 1, 2024 – It’s not just your furnace. Did you know, on average, Ontario homes have roughly 4-6 fuel-burning appliances that produce Carbon Monoxide (CO) – an invisible, odourless, tasteless and highly poisonous gas?
Often dubbed the ‘Silent Killer’, CO continues to be a leading cause of accidental poisoning in Ontario, with approximately 65% of all CO incidents occurring in people’s homes. Most, if not all of these incidents, are preventable.
As Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week kicks off, safety experts at the Technical Standards and Safety Authority are reminding residents to ‘Be in the Know when it comes to CO”.
“During the cold weather months there’s naturally an increased use of furnaces and fireplaces, and even though these fuel-burning appliances may be safely designed, they can emit deadly levels of CO gas if not properly installed, inspected and maintained regularly,” says Kelly Hart, TSSA’s Director of Fuels Safety. “While CO presents serious hazards, residents can significantly reduce CO risks and any potential harm by taking these two important steps,” adds Hart.
Take Action. Think Safe.
- Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually through the services of a TSSA registered fuel contractor
- to find a TSSA-registered contractor use the Find A Registered Contractor Tool
Have working, certified CO alarms in your home, regularly test them, change batteries and replace them in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction.
“And it’s just as important for folks to note that fuel-burning appliances specifically designed and approved for outdoor use only – such as outdoor heaters - are to remain just there – outdoors,” stresses Hart.
With the hope that multiple voices will bring greater impact to the message, TSSA continues to partner with local fire and emergency services and other safety-minded organizations to deliver critical CO safety information to residents in communities across Ontario.
The backgrounder provides additional information on carbon monoxide.
Stay one step ahead of CO – Beat the Silent Killer. Take Action. Think Safe. cosafety.ca
About TSSA
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is one of Ontario’s public safety regulators mandated by the Government of Ontario to enforce provincial safety regulations and enhance public safety. Throughout Ontario, TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services include public education and consumer information, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support and enforcement and prosecution activities. The organization’s vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in public safety.
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For more information or to arrange media availability, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President,
Communications, Stakeholder Engagement and Customer Service
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
email:media@tssa.org
For more information on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, visit www.tssa.org